ColeopteraChrysomelidae – Leaf Beetles

Pachybrachis livens

This record describes Pachybrachis livens (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Pachybrachis livens - Pachybrachis livens
Contributed by Mike Quinn

Prothorax with a usually nearly parallel and entire rufo-testaceous stripe occupying the middle third (last key couplet) a rufo-testaceous or pale brown entire nearly parallel sided median stripe occupying a little less than the middle third The middle of the disc of the thorax is usually marked with a large testaceous spot. Type Locality: Colorado River, California, on Salix

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Polyphaga
Superfamily
Chrysomeloidea
Family
Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
Subfamily
Cryptocephalinae
Tribe
Cryptocephalini
Genus
Pachybrachis (Scriptured Leaf Beetles)

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

s.CA-AZ - Map , most records LA to San Diego

Seasonal Activity

Apr-Nov ( 5 )

Diet and Behavior

Diet: on Salix (Salicaceae) (Beutenmьller, 1890; Carr, 1988; Essig, 1958; Fall, 1901; Felt, 1907; Packard, 1890)

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Pachybrachis livens LeConte, 1858

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachybrachis livens. Species-specific details appear above.

Group overview

Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.

Ecological role of the group

Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.

Economic and practical significance of the group

Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.

Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Pachybrachis livens (5)

Pachybrachis livens - photo 1
Contributed by Mike Quinn
Pachybrachis livens - photo 2
Contributed by Mike Quinn
Pachybrachis livens - photo 3
Contributed by Mike Quinn
Pachybrachis livens - photo 4
Contributed by Mike Quinn
Pachybrachis livens - photo 5
Contributed by Mike Quinn

Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn

Frequently Asked Questions About Pachybrachis livens

What is Pachybrachis livens?

Pachybrachis livens is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Pachybrachis livens?

Length 2.3 to 3 mm

How do you identify Pachybrachis livens?

Prothorax with a usually nearly parallel and entire rufo-testaceous stripe occupying the middle third (last key couplet) a rufo-testaceous or pale brown entire nearly parallel sided median stripe occupying a little less than the middle third The middle of the disc of the thorax is usually marked with a large testaceous spot.

Where is Pachybrachis livens found?

Range: s.CA-AZ - Map , most records LA to San Diego

What does Pachybrachis livens eat?

The diet of the Pachybrachis livens includes on Salix (Salicaceae) (Beutenmьller, 1890; Carr, 1988; Essig, 1958; Fall, 1901; Felt, 1907; Packard, 1890).

When is Pachybrachis livens active?

Pachybrachis livens: seasonal activity - Apr-Nov ( 5 ).

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.